30 Dutch Oven Recipes That Work Great for Campfire Cooking
Have oven, will feast.
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There's one tool that we always bring when car camping, RV camping, or glamping — a campfire Dutch oven! (Campfire Dutch ovens are different than the enameled Dutch oven in your kitchen. If you need one, we like Lodge's version.) With the lid on and nestled in coals, a Dutch oven can simmer, stew, and braise! With the lid off, it sears meat and chicken like a cast-iron pan. It's great for soups and stews, and it works with camp stoves and open fires alike. Here are more than two dozen delicious Dutch oven recipes that can easily be made over a campfire.
What Is a Dutch Oven and How Do I Use It?
First things first, get the basics on what this versatile piece of cookware is, and learn a little about why it makes such an essential piece of camping equipment!
Guinness Beef Stew
This hearty stew is just the thing to warm you on a cool mountain evening, or replenish your energy after a long day of hiking.
Chicken and Potato Chowder
Here's a one-pot stew that is packed with flavor. You can grab a rotisserie chicken on the way to the campsite, or just use some precooked chicken breast meat.
Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers
Warning: The smells wafting from this decadent dish may draw nearby campers to your site. Luckily it makes more than enough to share.
Sausage and Cheese Lasagna
Campfire lasagna? It's doable in a Dutch oven! Skip the instructions to broil at the end, however, and simply let the cheese melt while everything finishes cooking.
Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach
Steak is an easy and decadent campfire meal. It's made even easier when you can cook the sides right in the same dish!
White Wine Coq Au Vin
This show-stopping dish is perfect for when you're glamping—or just want to impress the heck out of someone.
Beer-Braised Chicken
This spicy pulled chicken can be packed into tortillas, piled onto soft buns, or eaten straight on a plate with perhaps a side of grilled corn.
Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples
This is camping food at its finest. It's simple, hearty, and full of flavor.
Seafood and Sausage Stew
This recipe is especially apt if you're camping near the ocean—and can source fresh seafood.
Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary
Though this can be made in a skillet, it's just as easy to make in a Dutch oven. You can weigh the chicken down with a smaller heavy pot, or a grill press.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen
Boil up this veggie-packed soup for a hearty, healthy campfire dinner.
Chicken Legs with Peas, Artichokes, Mint, and Fingerling Potatoes
This hearty dish is full of satisfying flavors. Pre-make the spice mix to make camp-side prep easier.
Corn-and-Ham Risotto
Risotto has a rep for being tricky, but don't believe it. This low-simmering concoction of corn, ham, herbs, and rice is particularly suited to campfire cooking.
Bourbon Chili
A classic campfire food if there ever was one, this one-pot chili recipe gets a boost of flavor from orange juice and bourbon.
Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza
A tater tot crust topped with bacon, eggs, cheese, and sausage will get your family going in the morning.
Get the recipe at The Gunny Sack.
Green Chile Chicken Chilaquiles
Customize your chilaquiles with your favorite toppings. This blogger layered on queso fresco, avocado, and sour cream.
Get the recipe at Spoonful of Flavor.
Cheesy Garlic Bites
No need to wait for bread to rise with this pull-apart dish. It's easy to make and both kids and adults will love it.
Get the recipe at The Creative Mom.
Campfire Donuts
Turn biscuits into delicious mini donuts with a little help from cinnamon sugar and hot oil.
Get the recipe at The Touring Campfire.
Dutch Oven Enchiladas
Take enchilada night to the great outdoors with this family-friendly meal.
Get the recipe at Fresh Off The Grid.
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